General Question

Is it safe to kiss someone if a few days ago I had a viral illness?

Wednesday night I had a throbbing headache and a horrible stomachache. The following day I did not go to school because I was so sick and later that night I went to the emergency room. I later found out I had a temperature of 103 so the doctors pumped me with antibiotics trough a tube until my temperature was back down to normal. When they released me all they said was that I had a “viral illness”. They never mentioned anything about whether or not I should be in close contact with people.

Now I am feeling much better but I am still worried if I can be contagious even though the nurse nor doctors never mentioned anything about it. I really want to kiss my girl before she leaves for break because I won’t be able to see her for a month, but I don’t wont her to catch anything. Like I said, I feel fine now, and she will be leaving Tuesday, so after that five day time span do you think it will be safe to smooch?

9 Answers

Most viruses don’t live in the mouth well. They are spread by coughing, sneezing or touching. You would have been most contagious prior to the onset of your symptoms and for 24 hours after your fever broke. Most likely you’re fine to kiss your girlfriend, and by Tuesday you’ll be way outta the woods.

Nice of you to be considerate of her, bonus points for your integrity. :-)

I think you’re safe. If you want to be absolutely sure, call the doctors’ office that gave you the antibiotics and ask the nurse. They’d be delighted to tell you and have a smile both for your good character and your predicament.

Antibiotics are not used to treat viral illnesses. They are only effective against bacterial illnesses. You need to confirm with your doctor what you actually had and how long it remains contagious after your symptoms are gone.

What @Dr_Lawrence said is true. Also, I should have mentioned Mono as a possibility too, although I assume your doctors ran some tests to conclude it was viral rather than bacterial.
A double check with your doc is a good idea. If you’re feeling well again, I wouldn’t worry, probably just a flu bug.

Also, antibiotics don’t affect your temperature in the way you suggested. “Viral illness” is an educated guess on the doctor’s part. You know, I think you’d be safe because having an active virus in your system makes you feel so ill usually.

Well if she’s not going to see you for a month, what’s the point of being healthy anyway? Give her a nice big kiss, and she’ll be so bored without you that she’s better off being sick anyway. :) Right?